Benin Republic has confirmed that it formally requested Nigeria’s military help to prevent what officials feared could have led to “massive casualties” during last week’s attempted advance by Royalist forces. Foreign Minister Olushegun Bakari disclosed this on Thursday at the ECOWAS Council of Ministers Meeting in Abuja.
Why Benin Turned to Nigeria During the Coup Attempt
Bakari said President Patrice Talon sought Nigeria’s support after security assessments showed that confronting the armed group alone posed serious risks to civilians. Moreover, he stressed that Nigeria’s involvement followed a clear and official request, not an unsolicited action.
He explained that Benin also contacted Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone and Ghana in line with ECOWAS protocols. Although Benin’s military repelled the initial assault, Talon opted for coordinated regional support to avoid escalated violence.
Calm Returns After December 7 Coup Attempt
The coup attempt began when soldiers stormed the state broadcaster, declared the suspension of the constitution and urged citizens to embrace a “new direction.” Loyalist forces quickly regained control, arrested 14 suspects and restored order. Residents reported sporadic gunfire before calm returned to Cotonou.
Bakari said Nigeria responded swiftly, acting directly on Benin’s request. He noted that the joint operation highlighted ECOWAS unity and reinforced the region’s commitment to defending democratic governance.
Tinubu, ECOWAS Leaders Receive Praise
The minister thanked President Bola Tinubu and other ECOWAS leaders for their support, describing the intervention as a decisive show of regional solidarity. He also pointed to longstanding security cooperation between Nigeria and Benin as a factor behind the smooth operation.
Military tracking reports later showed Nigerian Air Force aircraft returning to base after completing surveillance and support missions.
ECOWAS, AU Condemn Coup Attempt
ECOWAS and the African Union condemned the foiled coup, reaffirming their zero tolerance for unconstitutional power grabs. Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, said the country had a duty to act.
“We cannot stand idly by and watch tension escalate in Benin Republic,” he said.
Read also: Benin Coup: Tinubu Praises Nigerian Military Intervention
